BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

On Tuesday, two State Senators filed an emergency petition with the Florida Supreme Court pertaining to the High Speed Rail issue. Governor Rick Scott, who is named as the lone respondent, rejected the $2.4 billion from the federal government last week.

Senator Thad Altman

The lawsuit, filed by Senate Democratic Leader Pro Tempore Arthenia Joyner (D-Tampa) and Senator Thad Altman, (R-Melbourne), is asking the court to order Governor Scott to accept the funding from the federal government by the new deadline.

The petition further stated that the high rail system would provide employment for thousands of Floridians.

“The issue at hand is the ability to create a state of the art rail line, at no cost to the taxpayers, and put people to work now and in the future.

“Stopping this project not only went against everything the governor promised during his campaign, it goes against his constitutional authority as well. The money Florida taxpayers sent to Washington should return to benefit Florida.

“Unfortunately, litigation was the only way to make that happen,” Senator Joyner said.

Senator Altman said, “This issue is one of great constitutional significance.

“Our founding fathers created a system of three separate and co-equal branches of government. Clearly, the governor’s actions have exceeded his constitutional authority. To maintain the integrity of our democracy, it is incumbent that we assert the rights of the people who elect their representatives. And the Supreme Court is the proper venue to seek relief.”

Raymond LaHood, U. S. Secretary of Transportation, granted the State of Florida an extension until Friday, March 4th.